Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid Review
Arsenal delivered an impressive second-half display, overwhelming Atlético Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium, while also celebrating their 100th victory in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Within five minutes, Declan Rice nearly opened the scoring, but his rebound shot went over the bar after Eberechi Eze’s initial attempt hit the post. However, there was a brief moment of concern when David Raya was caught far from his goal following a throw-in, with Giuliano Simeone narrowly missing the opportunity to capitalize. That was a rare moment of promise from Atlético, as Saka set up Gabriel Martinelli to score, but the Brazilian was ruled offside after an encouraging first half for Arsenal.
Diego Simeone’s team threatened again when Julián Alvarez hit the crossbar with a long-range shot, but it was Arteta’s squad who finally took the lead in a familiar way, Declan Rice delivered a free-kick into the box, and Gabriel headed it in with precision. Undeterred, Atlético nearly equalized when Dávid Hancko headed over from Marcos Llorente’s dangerous cross. However, the Gunners responded to that warning and doubled their lead after a brilliant move ended with Lewis-Skelly making a great run and pass to set up Martinelli, who scored an unstoppable goal past Jan Oblak.
Viktor Gyökeres then added a third with a lucky finish that took a significant deflection off Hancko, effectively putting the game out of reach within 11 minutes of the second half. Arsenal continued their ruthless display by scoring a fourth goal three minutes later from another set-piece, with Gabriel heading Rice’s corner back across the goal for Gyökeres to finish with a knee strike, deepening Atlético’s troubles.
The Gunners have now achieved four consecutive wins without conceding a goal and have won seven matches in a row against Spanish teams. On the other hand, Atletico’s six-game unbeaten streak came to a harsh end here, and they have yet to win an away game this season, with three draws and three losses.
